I'm hoping the Caps pull it off. The game's premier star leads his team to the finals- good sports story. I don't entirely trust goaltending though.

My sleeper team would be the Flyers. This is the first time in my life I find myself not hating the Flyers. I guess it's all about the captains. The team always had a Lindros identity to me...now its all about Richards, and you can't not like that guy.

It's hard to argue against Washington. Ovechkin is a superstar on fire and short of an injury, there is no reason to suspect he'll drop off. They have great team depth (finally, Semin is producing! And when you have Fedorov and Nylander as the low guys on the depth chart, you're doing ok!), but like beanie boy says, the question will be goaltending. Theodore is definitely capable but hasn't shone in a LONG time, maybe this playoffs?? I wonder if they'll make a move at the deadline for some goaltending?

If New Jersey can give Brodeur 10-12 games before the playoffs I think they have a really good shot. This team has incredible depth and excellent post season experience.

I have no truly logical reason for saying this, but it doesn't feel to me like it is Boston's year - bounced in the quarters I'm thinking (Sorry Willus!)

So I'd have to say it will be Washington or New Jersey. My dark horse in the East is Buffalo.

I think that the East is a 3 horse race with some potential dark horses.

Boston is not playoff tested, but that is about the only short coming I see. Their defensive core is as good as any out there, they have stable goaltending(and a fall back if an injury occurs) and they have produced offensively. I would not be surprised to see them there.

However, the same recipie is in New Jersey as well. However, they are playoff tested. As said, if Brodeur can find any kind of form, they become even more dangerous.

Washington is the 3rd horse and to me they will either get bounced early or go all the way. They will go as far as their offense allows them to go. Not a bad defense, but they won't win many games by shutting down the other side.

The dark horses, Philly and NYR. I know that the Rangers have stunk up the joint in the past month, but for the first 3 months of the season they were as good any anyone in the East. Maybe the coaching change will shake'em up enough. They have the talent, just haven't had the execution. Philly might surprise, but they seem to lean a lot on their special teams. More so than the other teams in the east. I don't think they are good enough to get there.

My personal pick, NYR. But, the smart Money would be between Boston and New Jersey. It's really a coin flip between those two teams.